Seraphina gasped.

And yelped, taking in a rush of air into her mouth, as he yanked her closer to him.

Close enough for their bodies to touch, so close that she could feel, and almost taste his minty breath.

Already, instinctively, the fingers of both of her hands were on Vnox’s wrist, tugging on it.

His right hand though, remained on her throat— not choking, just holding her in place but applying enough pressure for her to get his point.

The next thing she felt was fear.

It was ...